Details
In 2021, one of Poland’s largest banks approached us with a clear challenge: their branch network felt outdated and inconsistent. The ambition was not just to refresh the atmosphere, but to define a strong, recognisable signature that felt uniquely theirs. While the initial instinct leaned toward literal national symbols like red and white, we proposed a deeper approach. By analysing global retail banking trends, multi-generational user needs, and macro-societal shifts, we asked a fundamental question: what could a “bank of the future” look like? The result is a visionary laboratory branch concept that redefines the physical banking experience through innovative zoning, multifunctional community "parklets," and culturally rooted design.
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A deeper approach to identity
In 2021, one of Poland’s largest banks approached us with a clear challenge: their branch network felt outdated and inconsistent, and they needed a new direction for the future. The ambition was not only to refresh the look and atmosphere of their branches, but to define a strong, recognisable signature that would feel uniquely theirs. As a Polish bank, the initial instinct leaned toward literal national symbols — red and white, or direct references to Polish identity. Instead, we proposed a deeper approach.
Analyzing the retail landscape
We began by analysing global trends in retail banking and how banks worldwide were redefining their physical presence. In parallel, we examined how the client communicates today — digitally and physically — and who they serve. The bank’s audience spans generations: long-standing customers, including those living abroad who still rely on the bank for everyday transactions, as well as younger users who perceive the brand as traditional, yet often remain clients through family ties.
The fundamental question
Alongside this, we reviewed innovative financial and spatial solutions emerging in Poland and studied macro-trends that were expected to shape society and banking in the years ahead. Based on these insights, we asked a fundamental question: what could a “bank of the future” look like — and how could a laboratory branch help define that vision?
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The three-pillar layout
To answer that question, we developed spatial guidelines adaptable for branches of various sizes. We introduced a clear, logical zoning concept that breaks away from the traditional row of teller desks:
- Banking Zones: Dedicated strictly to core financial services, ensuring privacy and efficiency.
- Lab Zones: Forward-thinking areas designed specifically for testing new technologies and digital service models with users.
- Non-Banking Zones (Attractors): Engaging spaces designed for collaboration, education, community events, and partnerships that extend far beyond traditional banking.
Each zone was given its own typology and functional logic. We designed a prototype branch, created initial visualisations, and then thoroughly tested the concept with both existing and potential new customers.
A space for the community
A key element of the new concept was the introduction of a "parklet." This is a highly flexible, multifunctional space that extends the role of the branch beyond traditional banking. It was designed to enable financial education, community building, collaborations with external partners, children’s activities, self-service solutions, small conferences, and informal meetings — transforming the branch into a true local hub.
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Postcards from Poland
Only after defining the functional and strategic framework did we move into design. We explored the idea of "Polishness" not as a symbol, but as a cultural narrative. Through extensive research into Polish landscapes, historical design, poster art, interiors, and visual culture, we curated a collection of visual “postcards from Poland.” These were beautifully translated into three distinct, ready-to-implement design directions:
- Herbarium: A bright, calming interior inspired by herbs, local botany, and the long-standing presence of nature in Polish culture.
- Polish Landscapes: Interiors that draw direct aesthetic references from local geography, topography, and natural scenery.
- Retro Ball: A nostalgic direction drawing heavily from the distinct aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s.
The result was a future-ready branch concept combining deep strategy, spatial innovation, and culturally rooted design.
Scope
Design
Team
Board
Bogusz Parzyszek
CEO I Founder
Dominika Zielińska
Former Managing Partner, Workplace
Design
Maciej Kolak
Senior Architect
Daniel Dziczek
Architect
Urszula Kuc
Architect
Aleksandra Piotrowicz
Architect
Małgorzata Romanowicz
Architect
Paweł Deroń
3D Artist & Visualisation
